Where to celebrate the Sydney Marathon this weekend (even if you’re not running)

The Sydney Marathon will take over the city on Sunday, for its first edition as an official World Marathon Major. Here’s how to take part without running it

For the first time ever, the Sydney Marathon kicks off this Sunday as an official World Marathon Major. Whether you’re taking part or not, there’ll be cause to celebrate, as the city shuts down to make way for the 35,000 brave participants.

From free drinks to those who show their medals, to relaxing and rejuvenation post-run treatments, Sydney is ready to embrace those who complete the 42 kilometres with open arms (and any supporters, of course). Start planning your post-race celebration and find the best spots to grab a schooner in the sun.

Post-run party

1. Jacksons on George

Jacksons on George is kicking things off from 10 am, with resident DJs Dan De Caires and Axel Taylor joined by Pat Stevenson, spinning tunes from day into night. With front row views of all the action, the rooftop is set to be buzzing all day, especially from 11 am, when Runna and Strava take over for their official after party. Stay on for happy hour between 4-6 pm, where there’ll be $16 margaritas, spritzes, espresso martinis, $7 schooners and $9 wines.

Where: 176 George St, Sydney NSW 2000.

2. Jimmy’s Rooftop, Sydney CBD

With the sun forecasted to be shining all day, where better to celebrate your achievements than at Jimmy’s Rooftop, which is just a short light rail ride away from the finish line. Bring your medal along and receive a complimentary schooner of Hahn SuperDry on arrival. After you’ve done some cooldown stretches (or polished off your well-deserved schooner), jump into their iconic pool and bask in the glory that you’re a Sydney marathon finisher.

Where: Level 4/320 George St, Sydney NSW 2000.

3. The Clock, Surry Hills

The Clock is throwing an afterparty for everyone this Sunday, so get down to Crown Street post-race (or post-supporting) and enjoy Balter pints at schooner prices, food specials, massages and DJs until late. Plus, if you buy a Balter XPA, you’ll be put in the draw to win a $200 ASICS voucher. Round up your friends and family for celebratory drinks, a pub feed and an overall good time.

Where: 470 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010.

READ MORE: Sydney Marathon 2025: Harbour City to host its first race as a World Marathon Major

4. Machine Hall, Sydney CBD

This exclusive marathon afterparty is a collaboration between the Sydney Run Club and shoe brand On. Although On will be hosting pre-marathon events all weekend long at their On Soft Hub, the real fun will start on Sunday. Celebrate finishing in style, with everything from personalised marathon time prints, a top-tier recovery station by Hyperice & Precision, to live tattoo artists, great eats, and a soft serve bar. Sydney Run Club has also promised “the largest amount of giveaways any run club has ever given.”

To get into this afterparty, follow the instructions on this Instagram post.

Where: Machine Hall, 185 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

5. The Bellevue Hotel, Paddington

Head to the Bellevue after finishing this Sunday to secure one of 48 free cans given away to marathon runners. With plenty of tap beers to give you that perfect post-race schooner, the team are also giving away a signed Swans jersey. With live music between 2-5pm, the Bellevue is perfect for those who want to celebrate with a more chill vibe this weekend.

Where: 159 Hargrave St, Paddington NSW 2021.

6. The Glenmore Hotel, The Rocks

The Glenmore Hotel will be offering up $20 schnitzels and $12 pints of 4 Pines Japanese Lager, which Marathon finishers can get their hands on by downloading the TCS Sydney Marathon App and showing their code to staff. Located just minutes from the finish line, The Glenmore Hotel is perfect for post-run fuelling, or for tired spectators who need to take a break from trying to track down their friends.

Where: 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000.

7. Opera Bar, Circular Quay

Catch all the marathon finish line action from Opera Bar, which will be opening early at 9am on Sunday. Enjoy coffees, teas and bacon and egg rolls as you cheer on the runners, and later on reunite with the finishers and stick around for live music and a celebratory cocktail and Sydney’s most picturesque bar.

Where: Sydney Opera House, Lower Concourse Level, Sydney NSW 2000.

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Recovery Treatments

8. Shangri-La Post Sydney Marathon Recovery Experience

Celebrate crossing the finish line with a luxurious recovery experience at Shangri-La Sydney’s award-winning Chi, The Spa. Enjoy an hour-long relaxation massage, a 30-minute infrared sauna session and full access to the Health Club, which includes the indoor pool, aqua therapy and gym (for stretching — not the treadmill!) Shangri-La are offering a discounted price of $228 per person, down from $285, so skip the schooners and head to The Rocks for the ultimate recovery session.

Where: 176 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000.

9. W Hotel’s Post Race Recovery

The W Hotel is going the extra mile to support marathon runners this weekend, with an exclusive marathon recovery package. The Runner’s Revival individual package starts from $450, and for couples or running pairs, the Duo Runner’s Revival package offers similar treatments in a shared setting. Think performance massages focused on leg circulation, foot treatments, a detox elixir and steam and sauna access.

Where: 31 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.

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Sydney Marathon

When: The Sydney Marathon will take place on Sunday, August 31, 2025.
Where: The start line is in North Sydney on Miller St, and the route takes runners across Sydney Harbour Bridge, around Pyrmont, through King’s Wharf, past Hyde Park to Kingsford, before winding back through Centennial Park and the Royal Botanic Garden to the finish line at Sydney Opera House.